You don’t have to go all the way down to New Orleans for a Mardi Gras celebration this year. Whether you’re looking for a community-based holiday celebration or seeking a more boisterous kind of time, look no further than Middlesex County.

On March 4th, Our Lady of Peace Knights of Columbus will be throwing a Mardi Gras celebration, complete with foods, drinks, music and a children’s activities center. Located at 277 Washington Place in North Brunswick, festivities will be held from 5pm to 10pm, with tickets available at the door. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids.

For a different kind of Mardi Gras Celebration, head a town over to the Old Bay Restaurant at 61 Church Street in New Brunswick. On March 8th, the Cajun and French Creole restaurant is hosting a Masquerade Party from 5pm to 2am. Put on your finest Fat Tuesday costume and enjoy a Cajun buffet, giveaways, and live music by the blues-and-rock “Tash Brothers Band” and the jammin’ “Old No. 7 Band.” Tickets are $20.